Former President Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election has brought America’s identity as a protector of political tolerance to a critical crossroads.

According to “Channel PNU” on November 28th, Trump, who was elected on November 7th, is set to return to office in January next year. However, his history of anti-political tolerance policies has sparked significant concerns for the multiethnic and multicultural structure of American society. During his previous presidency, Trump took racially discriminatory actions. Also in this election, he promised measures like the deportation of undocumented immigrants and pro-white anti-discrimination laws under the guise of strengthening national security and ensuring economic stability. On this issue, Political Science and Diplomacy professors warn that such policies may deepen political and emotional polarization in American society.

■The Political Tolerance Controversy Returns

Trump’s second term could see the rollback of “anti-discrimination laws,” a foundation of political tolerance and inclusion policies. These laws were enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or religion, and to guarantee equal rights. They are viewed as a basis of American society, providing a framework for harmonious coexistence among people from diverse backgrounds. However, Trump demonstrated opposition to these principles during his first term. According to The New York Times, on September 22nd, 2020, Trump signed an executive order abolishing political tolerance education, labeling it as “divisive and anti-American political propaganda.”

Trump is also expected to strengthen his policies on deporting undocumented immigrants. One of the key promises of his campaign was deportation of illegal immigrants. On November 7th, Trump stated in an interview with NBC, “Securing and strengthening our borders is the first priority,” and emphasized that mass deportations would be unavoidable. According to Reuters on December 7th, Trump said immigrants coming to the U.S. are “poisoning the blood of our country.”

In a similar context, The Trump’s administration’s “Muslim travel ban” from his first term could also be reinstated. On January 27th, 2017, Trump issued an executive order citing national security to ban the entry of citizens and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, Syria, Somalia, and Libya for 90 to 120 days, respectively, but this measure was later repealed. Trump vowed during this year’s campaign to reinstate entry bans on certain Muslim nations on his administration’s first day in office.

Naturally, there are also criticisms about such movements. American Civil society has voiced strong opposition to these proposals, arguing that the reinstatement of the Muslim travel ban reflects a misunderstanding of constitutional principles. The American Civil Liberties Union, a US non-profit human rights organization, stated that the ban violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits the government from favoring or discriminating against any religion.

■Make America Great Again

Experts view Trump’s reelection not merely as the rise of a single politician but as a reflection of the tension between traditional dominant groups and an evolving social environment. According to Ha Sang-Eung (Prof. of Political Science and Diplomacy, Sogang University), Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” symbolizes the yearning of traditional majority groups to reclaim the stability and authority they once held. Prof. Ha explains, “Trump represents voices that stem from the backlash against the decline of traditional majorities in American society, including white people, protestant Christians, high school graduates, men, and rural residents. Although they do not constitute a majority, they have succeeded in forming a strong political force.”

Cha Jae-Kwon (Prof. of Political Science and Diplomacy, Pukyong National University), also emphasizes that Trump is closely tied to the structural dynamics of society, beyond his role as a politician. Addressing the current state of American society. Prof. Cha said, “The fundamental social distribution structure in America is what demands someone like Trump. Through such actions, Trump is solidifying his political base while catering to the demands of a white centered dominant society through discriminatory policies.”

It was reported that Trump plans to advocate for an anti-discrimination law specifically for white people. On April 1st, Axios, an American online news website, reported that Trump intended to push forward legislation focused on protecting white people if re-elected. However, experts consider the likelihood of such laws being enacted to be low. Prof. Ha said, “Legislation requires congressional authority, so most of what Trump discusses cannot be unilaterally implemented solely by the president. Understanding the fundamental structure of the American political system is crucial.”

Trump’s anti-immigration policies and racially discriminatory rhetoric have raised concerns about deepening divisions within American society and even undermining the nation’s identity. Kim Ji-Hoon (Prof. of Political Science and Diplomacy, PNU), warns, “While the effects of anti-immigration policies may be minimal when limited to specific races, ethnicities, or nations, if their scope gradually expands, they could ultimately undermine the original goal of protecting citizens.” Prof. Cha adds, “Heightened racial conflict spurred by such policies may exacerbate social polarization and divisions, further aggravating internal discord within the US. Rather than fostering unity, these actions could maximize fragmentation in American society.”

Reporter Thadar-Soe, Seo Yoo-Jung

Translated by Seo Yoo-Jung